our mission.

Home Place of Texas is a Christian based organization
that seeks to equip, empower, and encourage adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to live a more meaningful life.
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our foundation

Mike and June Jones founded Home Place in 2002. They wanted a unique place for their daughter, Amanda. Mike and June specifically designed Home Place for higher functioning adults with special needs. Because of their unwavering faith and perseverance, Home Place is still going strong today!

​​The Vision

Home Place was founded on a core principle: to show adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities that they are valued by God and have a meaningful purpose in life. This mission has remained unwavering for the past 23 years. We are dedicated to understanding and meeting the unique needs of each individual, and equipping them with the tools they need to lead fulfilling and successful lives on their own terms.

Our Team

KIM DEGNAN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kim graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2007 with a degree in psychology. She began her career at Home Place in 2008 as a residential supervisor. "I love Home Place because it provides a place for people with disabilities to feel safe, and just be themselves, free of judgement." When she's not working, Kim loves spending time with her husband and dog, and watching football. (Go Ducks!) She is an active member of The Junior League of The Woodlands, loves Lilly Pulitzer, and all things pink!

JASON PAULK
​​PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Jason and his wife, Sandra, have been involved with Home Place's vision for over 5 years.  He has worked with this population for over 8 years (at least) with Tri-County, Klein ISD, and has been with Home Place ever since.  He, along with a former associate began the "The Best Friday Ever" which has evolved into a weekly tradition. Karaoke and Pizza Fridays are his favorite!  On his time off, he likes to visit family in Corpus Christi, take long walks on the beach with his daughters, Addison, Caroline, and son, Ethan, and swim with dolphins.  He roots for Auburn football but knows in his heart that Texas A&M is the better University.  "Go Aggies!"

Aaron Ramirez
business administrator

Aaron Ramirez graduated from Baylor University in 2015 with a Bachelor's of Music in Church Music. In search of what came next, he stumbled upon Home Place of Texas, where his perception of joy in life has been changed by its clients ever since. Through formative experiences on international music trips and local homeless ministry, Aaron has developed a passion for mission work. One of his greatest joys in life is serving with his wife Stephanie, whom he met teaching music in Malaysia.  Aaron passes his time reading, drinking coffee, and hanging out in dog parks with his wife’s best friend, Maple, the dog.

Kelly VAncamp
operations manager

Kelly's upbringing instilled in her the value of treating every individual with respect, regardless of their differences. Her enthusiasm to join the Home Place team upon receiving the opportunity from God was palpable. Prior to her tenure at HPOTx, Kelly dedicated seven years to early childhood education. She possesses a diverse skill set, ranging from crafting and automotive work to hairstyling and photography - a testament to her versatility. Kelly finds immense joy in her daily experiences at Home Place, and cherishes spending time with her husband, Chris, of 19 years, and their two children, Serenity and Gabriel.

Sheila Mcgavock
Direct support proffesional

Sheila graduated from the University of Missouri - St. Louis with a Bachelors of Science in Education. She also holds a Masters in Education from Webster University. She joined the Home Place team in fall of 2022. She loves to spend time with our clients talking, sharing ideas and planning activities to enhance their daily experiences here at Home Place. When Sheila is not working she stays busy being a mom to four children. She enjoys visiting her daughter at Baylor University and watching her three teen boys play football. Her personal hobbies include walking, reading and shopping for fun home décor. 

​Kelly Peterson
Direct support proffesional

Kelly Peterson is not new to Home Place, but is a new addition to our HPOTx family. She holds a Bachelors Degree of Science in Gerontology and a Masters Degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education, both from the University of North Texas. She, her two sons, Major and Gage, and Lola the Labrador are residents of Champion Forest. Major is attending LSU and Gage is a student at  Klein High School. Kelly has been our dance teacher for almost four years now and when an opening became available, she jumped at the chance to join the HPOTX family. She fondly remembers attending a parent meeting in 2019 where she came to introduce herself to the families and clients and to discuss her approach in adaptive dance. “I remember sitting on the back row and thinking to myself what a special place this was and how much I wanted to make an impact here.”

Stephanie Skarzenski
Direct support proffesional

Stephanie relocated from New England with her family in 2015. With 20 years of experience, she has been dedicated to her career as an early childhood educator.  She has been happily married for 22 years to her husband Pete and has two adult children Nikolas and Ella that are currently attending college. Stephanie finds great fulfillment at Home Place, where she experiences a strong sense of belonging and delights in the daily sight of her clients' smiling faces.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Marilyn Butler, M.B.A., Ed.D.
Chairman, Board of Directors
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David Butler, M.B.A.
Treasurer, Board of Directors

Jodi Neitzel
Secretary, Board of Directors
Founding Family Board Member

Laura Bomer
Member, Board of Directors

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